Newly remodeled, visitor-friendly, and staffed by a charismatic astronomy enthusiast, Goldendale Observatory is an uncommon combination of scientific facility and state park.
We were camping with friends on the Klickitat River, a long-planned getaway in a gorgeous and uncrowded area. Our friends saddled up for a day of mountain biking, and Mr. Adventure and I headed out to explore. We ended up at Brooks Memorial State Park, about ten miles north of Goldendale and three miles south of Satus Pass on Interstate 97. Intrigued by the unusual name, we pulled in to find out more.